分类： society

Fabian Sargeant, founder of the Men Empowerment Network Support (MENS), has voiced his support for Acting Chief Magistrate Deidre McKenna’s proposal to introduce mandatory paternity testing in child maintenance court cases. McKenna, speaking at a recent public forum, advocated for state-funded, compulsory DNA testing to ensure fairness and certainty for fathers involved in such legal disputes. Sargeant, while endorsing the idea, emphasized that mandatory testing should be limited to court cases rather than being applied universally. He clarified, “Mandatory testing should only apply to cases before the court, not as a blanket policy across the country.” However, Sargeant expressed concerns about full state funding, suggesting that paternity tests should be affordable for fathers. He stated, “The cost of testing should not be prohibitive. It should be reasonably affordable to men.” Additionally, Sargeant called for legal consequences in cases where paternity tests reveal a man is not the biological father, arguing for reimbursement or redress. “Men who have supported a child for years, only to discover they are not the father, should not bear the emotional and financial burden alone,” he said. He also highlighted the fear many men have of requesting DNA tests due to potential denial of access to their children. Melissa Savoury-Gittens, president of the National Organisation of Women (NOW), also supported mandatory testing in court cases but pointed out systemic flaws in the current child maintenance system. She criticized the practice of arresting men for non-payment, arguing that it does not address the root causes. “Instead of imprisoning men, we should investigate why they are not paying. Is it unemployment? If so, we should help them find jobs so they can support their children,” she said. Both Sargeant and Savoury-Gittens agreed that the focus should be on creating a fair and supportive system for all parties involved in child maintenance cases.

Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell has mandated that Stephen Javon Freeman, a 23-year-old with no fixed residence, serve an additional two years and 176 days in prison for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Freeman admitted guilt in the No. 4 Supreme Court on November 13, 2022, for having a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol and ten rounds of ammunition without valid permits. Initially, the court considered an eight-year sentence for each offense but decided against imposing fines, citing aggravating factors and Freeman’s behavioral reports. Justice Smith-Bovell emphasized the need for a structured environment with vocational training to aid Freeman’s rehabilitation and societal reintegration. She also ordered a psychological assessment and placement in educational and vocational programs, with progress reviews scheduled for April 24, 2026. Aggravating factors included the gun being loaded, in good working order, and kept in a public place, while the only mitigating factor was the weapon’s recovery. Freeman’s pre-sentence report highlighted his high risk of re-offending, gang affiliation, and illegal drug use, despite his remorse and guilty plea. Discounts were applied for his guilty plea and time spent on remand. State Counsel Paul Prescod prosecuted the case, with defense attorneys Simon Clarke and Ken Mason representing Freeman. Freeman was apprehended after officers on patrol in New Orleans, St Michael, noticed him behaving suspiciously. A search revealed the firearm hidden in his crotch area. During questioning, Freeman claimed he found the gun near the Globe roundabout six days prior and had not fired it, expressing fear of being charged if he turned it in to the police.

In a significant development for Barbados’ education sector, public primary school principals have finally secured a resolution to their longstanding workplace grievances with the government. This breakthrough, announced late Friday, follows months of unrest and is seen as a pivotal step in rebuilding trust among senior educators. The Association of Public Primary School Principals (APPSP), representing the principals, had previously voiced concerns over being overwhelmed by physically and mentally distressing incidents within the education system, coupled with a lack of redress. They also criticized the deterioration of employer-employee relations, describing their treatment as inconsistent with good practices. However, after extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Educational Transformation, the principals have expressed satisfaction with the outcome. APPSP President Olwin Walker praised the government for its efforts, stating, ‘We have deeply appreciated the opportunity to meet with the minister and his senior team today, and we are pleased with the outcome.’ The agreement addresses various concerns, including the handling of grievances, unrealistic deadlines, lack of recognition, and issues related to annual leave and principal transfers. Despite this progress, the principals expressed frustration over the previous handling of their concerns. They also highlighted broader systemic issues, such as frequent school disruptions, environmental challenges, and disease outbreaks, which continue to impact the 2024–25 school year.

Barbados is intensifying its efforts to address a critical labor shortage in the construction sector through expanded vocational training programs. The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), the island’s premier technical institute, announced on Friday that it is scaling up its training initiatives to meet the urgent demands of contractors while fostering a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. Principal Ian Drakes emphasized the institute’s innovative approach, including short-term courses under the Construction Gateway Programme, to bridge immediate gaps in the workforce. Drakes highlighted the increased intake in plumbing training, driven by industry demand and enthusiastic applicants, though he noted that full competency would take two years to achieve. The move comes as construction magnate Mark Maloney warned of persistent challenges in securing adequate labor, even from overseas. Henderson Eastmond, Executive Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, underscored the broader cultural and educational factors deterring young Bajans from pursuing trades. Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands revealed that the government is extending on-the-job training and collaborating with community projects to provide students with practical experience. Contractors have also expressed willingness to engage students on real projects, signaling a collaborative effort to resolve the crisis.

Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revamp its tertiary education system, with the government introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at prioritizing technical and vocational training. These changes are designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and global job markets. Sandra Husbands, Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, emphasized that the reforms are a direct response to the evolving demands of the digital revolution, which has significantly altered industries worldwide. Speaking at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), Husbands highlighted the need to cultivate a new generation of technicians capable of excelling in diverse fields such as construction and automobile engineering. The reforms will involve a complete overhaul of curricula across the nation’s institutions, moving away from traditional three-year programs that offer no immediate earning opportunities. Instead, the new system will focus on modular, on-demand training, allowing students to earn certifications progressively. Husbands also outlined a shift from examination-based assessments to competency-based evaluations, ensuring students demonstrate practical skills. The reforms target an estimated 20,000 young people who have left school with limited qualifications, aiming to re-engage them in a dynamic and innovative educational environment. Additionally, SJPI is undergoing modernization and expansion, including the construction of a state-of-the-art welding workshop to meet regional industry demands. The project, with a preliminary cost of $9 million, reflects the high demand for skilled welders, particularly in Guyana’s oil industry. These initiatives underscore Barbados’ commitment to producing globally certified graduates ready to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce.

Barbados is grappling with a deepening crisis in its justice system, as witness intimidation and fear of retaliation threaten the integrity of criminal trials. The recent collapse of a murder case involving the tragic death of 20-year-old Shae Hackett has highlighted a systemic issue: the reluctance of witnesses to testify in court. Despite initial cooperation, a key witness recanted his statement, leaving prosecutors with no viable evidence to proceed. The accused were acquitted, underscoring the fragility of a system that relies heavily on eyewitness testimony. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Krystal Delaney expressed justified frustration, emphasizing that justice cannot be served without the courage of witnesses to come forward. The problem is not with the laws or the police but with the pervasive fear that silences those who hold the truth. Witness intimidation has become increasingly brazen, with reports of attacks on the homes of those willing to testify. This climate of fear has led to legislative reforms, including witness protection programs, anonymous testimony, and the use of video links to safeguard identities. However, these measures must be complemented by swift police action against intimidation and greater public awareness of available protections. The courts and prosecution must also advocate for modern tools, such as pre-recorded testimony and psychological support for traumatized witnesses. As Delaney aptly stated, justice cannot function on whispers and retractions; it requires the unwavering voices of citizens who understand that their testimony is essential to upholding the rule of law. Barbados must shift its perception of witnesses, viewing them not as informers but as courageous individuals whose cooperation ensures the safety of all.